In an effort to protect Chesapeake Bay menhaden, which naturally improve water quality and provide forage for stripers, trout, and bluefish, recreational anglers along with other advocates have uncovered some eye-popping numbers to combat commercial fishing interests. According to a new report called Menhaden Math, commercial fishing for the baitfish generated nearly 400 jobs and about $45 million for Virginia in 2005. On the other hand, menhaden-eating gamefish create an economic effect in Virginia of about $400 million a year and support 2,543 jobs. Omega Protein, the primary commercial interest, calls it fuzzy math.
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